The Minister for Education and Skills, Nick McKim, said a reduction in teacher numbers as reported in Budget Estimates today was due mostly to a change in Government staff reporting requirements.

 

"The Department of Education statistics show that there are 373 less teachers as at 31 March 2012 compared to the same time last year.

 

"The major reason for this reduction is a change in reporting rules which means only paid staff are now included in statistics.

 

"Staff on unpaid leave are no longer being included," he said.

 

Mr McKim said this accounted for 175 staff.

 

"The remaining reduction in teacher numbers is broadly attributable to three areas.

 

"Firstly, a reduction in student numbers in the K-12 sector accounts for approximately 50 fewer teachers.

 

"Secondly, there are approximately 20 fewer staff who were employed on teaching conditions but were fulfilling administrative roles in the Polytechnic.

 

Mr McKim said the third area was a result of staff departures under the Workforce Renewal Incentive Program.

 

"These vacancies are firstly filled by staff already employed within the department, for example substantive staff in roles no longer required, reducing the requirement to engage fixed-term staff," he said.